LEGAL 500
Banking, finance and capital markets (Tier 3)
Dryllerakis & Associates has worked with major Greek sy stemic banks, notably working closely with the Hellenic Financial Stability Fund. The team has impressed clients with its 'commitment’ and ‘quality of legal advice’ when advising on acquisitions and funds, among other issues. Emmanuel Dryllerakis, head of the firm's banking team, has acted in numerous cases related to privatisations, restructuring and M&A, as well as corporate finance and project financing. Dryllerakis also has experience in legally compliant financial documents and complex financial structures.
Practice head(s): Emmanuel Dryllerakis
Other key lawyer(s): Stella Yannika; Smaragda Athanasakou; Themelis Zamparas; Leonidas Kastrinakis
Testimonials
'Commitment, time of response and quality of legal advice.'
'Commitment, project management, expertise and sector knowledge.'
Work highlights
- Advised Worldline S.A. in the acquisition of Cardlink S.A., the incumbent player for payment services in Greece as well as conducted the relevant due diligence exercise.
- Advised 5G Ventures S.A. in setting up PHAISTOS FUND, a venture capital mutual fund, organized by 5G Ventures S.A., a subsidiary of Hellenic Corporation of Assets and Participations S.A.
- Advised Systems Sunlight S.A. on the issuance of a common syndicated bond loan amounting up to €125m for the purposes of refinancing the existing common bond loan of up to €50m issued by the Company, and the financing of the Company’s investment plans, including the financing of acquisitions..
Commercial, Corporate and M&A (Tier 1)
Dryllerakis & Associates regularly advises on large and widely publicized M&A matters in Greece and stands out for its experience managing transactions in a wide range of industry sectors, particularly energy and tourism. The team has a proven record of assisting in cross-border transactions, privatisation deals, and project developments, while also offering special expertise in handling shareholder disputes and other corporate governance matters. The team’s industry-specific knowledge furthermore makes it a go-to for regulatory issues. Beyond team head Emmanuel Dryllerakis, who offers extensive experience advising on privatisation, restructuring, and M&A matters, the firm draws on managing senior partner John Dryllerakis‘s proven record assisting in investment projects. Cleomenis Yannikas is also recommended, particularly for his expertise in the energy sector.
Testimonials
'The team has a fast and to-the-point approach to approaching challenges. It also has a cross-fertilisation system where learning from different industries and cases informs the approach to others.'
'The individuals are approaching negotiations in a sober yet firm manner, and there is continuous coordination with clients to prioritize and strategize. They will also go out of their way working evenings, weekends and return from vacation to make deals happen.'
'Have been collaborating with the firm for the past 15 years in the areas of M&A, tax & accounting Law, real estate and corporate law. Outstanding level of service. Expertise in all above fields with excellent results.'
'Business acumen/industry knowledge, appropriateness of advice, strength-in-depth of team, and value for money. Clear and concise explanations.'
'Deep understanding of the customer. Tailor-made solutions specific to our own needs and understanding. Organizational structure allowing customer to punch above own weight.'
'Thoroughly satisfied with the level of service provided by the firm. Ranked as one of two top firms used in our company.'
'John Dryllerakis: Judgement, expertise, responsiveness, creativity, research Skills, communication skills, availability. Emmanuel Dryllerakis: knowledge, analytical skills, logical thinking, communication skills, availability.'
'Prompt response, in-depth knowledge of the field, constant availability, provision of business-oriented solutions'
Work highlights
- Advised Worldline S.A. on the acquisition of Cardlink S.A., a Greek payment services entity.
- Advised Stoiximan with regard to the sale of majority control stake (84,9%) in Stoiximan Group’s Greek and Cypriot operations to OPAP Group for a total consideration of €163.40m.
- Advised the Belterra Group with regard to the legal due diligence and acquisition process of the renowned Porto Carras complex in Northern Greece, Chalkidiki.
Dispute resolution (Tier 1)
Dryllerakis & Associates has considerable experience representing both business clients before the civil courts, as well as public law work before the Council of State. The team, which is capable of handling a high volume of cases in an 'exceptional’ way, also has particular experience in tax litigation. Gerassimos Apergis specialises in litigation, with over 25 years of experience in commercial litigation and competition law, alongside defending in major criminal cases. Vassilis Constantinidis's strengths lie in commercial litigation, intellectual property law and contentious employment work.
Testimonials
'They try to find the best solution, give you the right advice, listen to what you have to say and know the legal environment in Greece. Last but not least, the collaboration with them is perfect.'
'Dryllerakis delivers exceptional quality legal work. Their legal acumen is of the highest standards. Our collaboration was impeccable.'
'Claire Sergaki with whom I mainly worked with has solid legal knowledge, understands legal issues, writes well, is polite and always available when needed.'
'The team provides excellent advice, resourceful, dynamic and reliable. They are quick, make themselves available, deliver every time.'
'Panagiotis Kakaletris stands out for the quality of advice: strategic, resourceful, able to provide various solutions and alternatives, and has a deep understanding of the industry sector as well as the intricacies of litigation.'
'Exceptional litigation skills. Exceptional law knowledge. Business understanding. Great communication skills.'
'Very strong team, high level of knowledge, expertise and experience. Very good results are always achieved'
'Strong knowledge, customer oriented, very responsive, very polite.'
Work highlights
- Defended Elais-Unilever Hellas S.A. against claims brought by former distributors.
- Represented Burlington Books in cases concerning a series of criminal cases concerning alleged violations of clients IP rights.
- Defended Hellaktor S.A. in its dispute with its shareholder Greenhill, in regard to the validity of corporate resolutions allegedly infringing, among others, competition regulations.
Employment (Tier 2)
Recommended for its 'high level of knowledge of Greek labor law', Dryllerakis & Associates is frequently called upon to advise both multinational and local Greek businesses with updating employment policies in line with new regulation, implementing new employment practices and data protection matters. The team, which is noted for its longstanding cooperation with international law firm Baker McKenzie LLP, is led by experienced employment lawyer Vassilis Constantinidis. Anna Damilakis is another key contact in the group.
Testimonials
'We have been working with Dryllerakis & Associates team for a number of years. An exceptional cooperation, efficient, solution-oriented and easy to discuss complicated labor law issues with.'
'High level of knowledge of Greek labor law, even in cases which are extremely complicated. Always available, always provides us with a solution.'
'Professional and at the same time friendly approach. Always punctual.'
'Anna Damilakis has very good knowledge and when she advises you, you are in safe hands.'
Work highlights
- Assisting Henkel Hellas in the task of harmonising regional/central employment policies, practices and procedures with the Greek work environment, in light of the most recent labor law reforms affecting several aspects of the work life, including sexual harassment and violence-related policies.
- Providing legal advice and assistance to Burlington Books in tackling the adverse effects of the virus outbreak, implementation of collective measures (rotation scheme, suspension of employment contracts), telework policy and continuous advice on day-to-day employment issues.
- Assisting Pirelli Tires SA in the preparation and establishment of new corporate policies within the company as regards various employment matters, including employee handbook for the processing of employee personal data under GDPR and local data protection laws.
Energy (Tier 2)
Dryllerakis & Associates multidisciplinary team has strong capabilities in energy related dispute resolution and has actively represented clients before the Energy Regulatory Authority. The firm regularly handles renewable energy projects and is skilled at government relations. Team leader Emmanuel Dryllerakis has experience advising leading clients in the Greek energy market on regulatory and compliance matters. He is assisted by Cleomenis Yannikas, who focusses on handling M&A and international project finance deals.
Testimonials
'An expert, highly experienced and diligent team of top lawyers, with a sound and swift understanding of a case, providing practical, realistic and business oriented solutions of value with high quality legal advice.'
'John Dryllerakis is a uniquely exceptional lawyer, professional and person. Not only an expert, experienced, business-oriented lawyer and a great professional who will provide sound, valuable and reliable advice to clients and businesses, but also a true role model. Emanuel Dryllerakis and Mr. Cleomenis Yannikas are outstanding professionals and provide valuable and reliable legal advice.'
'Very good professionals, very flexible trying to accommodate our needs.'
'The people we work with try always and succeed to understand our needs and help us achieve our goals'
'They have approached our matters in a unique and professional way. Trying to understand in depth the needs and the requests. Timely.'
Work highlights
- Advised the REDEN Solar Group, a leading multinational active in the renewables sector, with regards to a mega-project comprising the development of seven photovoltaic projects (of a total capacity of approx. 200MW).
- Advised HEDNO with regard to the structuring of tender documentation and contract models in accordance with the national special legal framework applicable to HEDNO as well as the EU Directives on public procurement.
- Advised the Hellenic Petroleum S.A. with regard to the sale of its 35% participation in DEPA Infrastructure SA (natural gas), in the relevant combined privatization process ran by the Privatization Fund (HRADF) for the sale of 65% stake held by the latter.
EU and competition (Tier 1)
Dryllerakis & Associates’ competition practice spans a number of key workstreams, including merger control issues, the recovery of incompatible state aid and litigation before the Greek and EU courts. The team also has vast experience in handling abuse of dominance claims and overseeing cartel matters before the Hellenic Competition Commission. Emmanuel Dryllerakis heads up the team; he has expertise in handling antitrust cases and regularly advises on M&A and competition law matters. Other notable members include managing senior partner John Dryllerakis and senior partner Cleomenis Yannikas.
Testimonials
'The team is very effective at describing simply and accurately where procedures may have gone wrong.'
'Emmanuel Dryllerakis and his sharp/fresh approach in examining troublesome cases offer effective solutions.'
'Excellent knowledge of the legal field and the key legal areas. Fast response times to the clients need perfect cooperation/collaboration with persons of great ethics and good morals.'
'The team has a deep knowledge of competition law and practice.'
'The team has experience in handling competition cases.'
'A great team with seasoned counsels that are well known to advise and litigate on competition law-related matters in Greece for many many years – a team that understands the client’s needs and delivers accordingly.'
'John Dryllerakis is one of the patriarchs of competition law in Greece and is widely figured as one of the most influential counsels in competition issues before the Hellenic Competition Commission. Cleomenis Yannikas has great expertise in competition law both at an academic and practitioner level. He is a very easygoing counsel.'
'Cleomenis Yannikas combines an outstanding understanding of the industry sector with top-class quality advice. He is reliable, available, and an ideal business partner to in-house counsel.'
Work highlights
- Represented Unilever Hellas in a complex dominance and anti-competitive agreement case heard before the Hellenic Competition Commission in which the HCC issued a fine of approx. €27m.
- Represented Attica Bank in the Hellenic Competition Commission investigation in the Greek banking sector.
- Advised GlaxoSmithKline on the drafting and hearing of the petition for annulment filed before the Supreme Administrative Court.
Intellectual Property (Tier 3)
Dryllerakis & Associates has 'wide experience' in a full range of IP subjects including the acquisition, protection, enforcement, and usage of IP rights. The practice has industry-specific expertise in sectors, such as tourism, airlines and cosmetics. Aliki Damilakis specialises in IP litigation and Anna Damilakis handles cases of national and European trade marks and patents.
Testimonials
'We have a long cooperation with the law firm in the field of intellectual property and we are very satisfied. In depth knowledge of the sector and wide experience.'
Work highlights
- Researched the availability, and provided legal opinions regarding potential trademark infringements, registrations, renewals and protection of the registered trademarks before all competent Courts.
- Monitoring availability and potential trademark infringements, registration, renewals and protection of the registered trademarks before all competent Courts. Preparation of filing of applications for registration and renewals, participation and handling of all kinds of opposition proceedings and constant involvement in many IP-related issues for both clients.
- Advising Eurobank S.A. on a continuous basis on the availability, registration, renewals and protection of its registered trademarks before all competent Courts. Filing of applications for registration and renewals of multiple trademarks and continuous review and update of the current client’s trademark portfolio.
Projects and privatisation (Tier 2)
Dryllerakis & Associates regularly handles privatization matters for the Greek state and represents investors in the privatization bid process, including due diligence. Its work spans areas such as energy, real estate, transport and tourism. The team is led by Emmanuel Dryllerakis, who is further supported by senior partners John Damilakis and Cleomenis Yannikas . Themelis Zamparas and Anna Ntionia were promoted to partner in July 2022.
Testimonials
'The team has an excellent legal background for corporate law.'
'A solid team with a high sense of professionalism and expertise that makes you feel a part of the team having the same goal and vision.'
'The team and each partner and associate who are involved offers special care and tailor-made attention to the project.'
'Very practical and to-the-point advice on complicated matters, quick turnaround, very competitive billing. The lawyers are always accessible and focus on identifying solutions rather than just pointing-out issues. Dryllerakis stand out among its peers.'
'Emmanuel Dryllerakis and Cleomenis Yannikas have deep knowledge of privatizations, and both stand out for their business approach and understanding of the commercial aspects of legal problems. The advice they provide is always tailor-made. An excellent pair of professionals.'
Work highlights
- Advised Lamda Development S.A. on the transfer of the shares of Helinikon S.A. from HRADF to Hellinikon Global I S.A. for a consideration of €915m.
- Advised Belterra Investments on a €200m M&A deal regarding the acquisition of the renowned Porto Carras complex in Northern Greece.
- Advised Hellenic Petroleum S.A. on the sale of its 35% participation in DEPA Infrastructure SA (natural gas).
Real estate and construction (Tier 2)
Covering a range of sectors including seaport infrastructure, entertainment and hospitality, Dryllerakis & Associates has strong capabilities in transactional, planning and financing work. The practice is led jointly by Maria Stoumpidi and Stella Yannika, who are both experienced in strategic planning and project structuring. Eleftherios Rantos, a real estate financing and investments expert, is also recommended.
Testimonials
'Excellent corporate legal advice.'
'The individuals are really professional and have deep legal knowledge.'
Work highlights
- Advised Halyps Building Materials SA in a complex project of great importance for the sale of part of its business, that also included the sale of two properties in Gerakas and a quarry in Aspropyrgos Attica.
- Advising Lampsa SA in the sale of Sheraton Rhodes 5* hotel to Azora Group
- Advising Beiersdorf Hellas SA in the sale of its premises/facilities in Gerakas – Attica to Vianex Group.
Tax (Tier 1)
Dryllerakis & Associates handles both advisory work and contentious tax matters, including accounting law, tax planning and transfer pricing. John Dryllerakis heads the practice and has expertise in advising on all international financial transactions and business matters. Eleftherios Rantos and Nikolaia-Anna Lepida regularly represent their clients on all tax litigations before the Administrative courts. John Papadakis focuses on all the tax issues arising in intra-group transactions, while Dimitris Karavas covers corporate and M&A-related tax issues.
Testimonials
'The team has a very fast and deep understanding of our specific needs. Strong knowledge of the corporate world and the banking environment. Tremendous experience and diversification of knowledge appropriate for our unique legal need.'
'The team provides the most comprehensive and detailed legal advice. Response to the point of our needs.'
'The team has an in-depth knowledge of the tax issue of concern and very good preparation and presentation of our arguments which led to their 100% acceptance by the court.'
'All the individual lawyers are available to discuss issues, very good, and excellent cooperation. They create an atmosphere of security that whatever is necessary will be done effectively and appropriately.'
'All the individual lawyers are available to discuss issues, very good, and excellent cooperation. They create an atmosphere of security that whatever is necessary will be done effectively and appropriately.'
'All executives are excellent with excellent cooperation at all levels. Prioritization of responsibilities, proper guidance, timing and supervision of tasks.'
The executives are full know-how of tax reporting and expertise. Specifically, Nikolaia-Anna Lepida is reliable, consistent, flexible and wins your trust.’
'The team handles very serious and critical cases exhibited high levels of cooperation and very effective execution of legal plans.'
'In addition to the firm’s high professional standards, all persons/partners/associates that handled my case are exceptional empathy at a personal level. Nikolaia-Anna Lepida’s effective execution and coordination of all planned actions resulted in a positive outcome.'
Work highlights
- Represented various private clients in a “pilot trial” before the Conseil d’ Etat concerning taxation of compensation deriving from group pension insurance programs.
- Assisted Baker McKenzie with the implementation of NIKE’s global restructuring.
- Represented Homeric Holdings before Plenary Chamber of Conseil d’ Etat in the constitutionality of the imposed retroactive taxation of non-distributed or capitalized tax reserves of companies.
TMT (Tier 4)
Dryllerakis & Associates regularly assists companies in respect of full GDPR compliance and implementation. The team also advises trade unions and work councils regarding compliance at the workplace, including workplace surveillance, facility management, and data protection. Emmanuel Dryllerakis heads the practice and benefits from the strong expertise of Anna Damilakis who has active experience in data protection, compliance, and ethics issues.
Work highlights
- Appointed as Data Protection Officer (DPO) in both Regency Casino Mont Parnes and Regency Casino Thessaloniki, pursuant to articles 37-39 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
- Appointed as Data Protection Officer (DPO) for Praktiker Hellas pursuant to articles 37-39 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
- Appointed as Protection Officer (DPO) by Loulis Mills pursuant to articles 37-39 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
White Collar Crime (Tier 2)
Dryllerakis & Associates’s white-collar crime team is known for its aptitude with handling cases before both the civil and criminal courts, as well as its expertise with administrative law. Vassilis Constantinidis has 25 years of experience in corporate litigation and specialises in corporate law disputes, business, civil, and commercial litigation, as well as IP disputes and employment law disputes. Panagiotis Kakaletris is an asset to the team with intricate knowledge of anti-money laundering and anti-corruption legislation and a proven track record in handling civil, corporate, and public procurement disputes. The team is led by John Dryllerakis.
Testimonials
'The team is committed, wise, hardworking and tireless.'
'What I consider as most important is the philosophy and the moral values of the team. The members of the team have “true” interest on the cases and their priority is to provide good service. I also consider the fees compared to the value of the services as quite fair.'
'The difference is that individuals have adopted the philosophy of the law office to set up as first priority true interest and support to the cases of their clients.'